Topical Encyclopedia
In the context of the Bible, the term "swayed" refers to the influence or control exerted over individuals or groups, often leading them away from their original beliefs or intentions. This concept is frequently addressed in Scripture, highlighting the importance of steadfastness in faith and the dangers of being led astray by false teachings or worldly desires.
Biblical References:1.
Ephesians 4:14 : "Then we will no longer be infants, tossed about by the waves and carried around by every wind of teaching and by the clever cunning of men in their deceitful scheming." This verse warns against being swayed by false doctrines and emphasizes the need for maturity in faith to resist such influences.
2.
James 1:6 : "But he must ask in faith, without doubting, because he who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind." Here, the imagery of being swayed by the wind is used to describe the instability of doubt, urging believers to maintain a firm and unwavering faith.
3.
Galatians 1:6-7 : "I am astonished how quickly you are deserting the One who called you by the grace of Christ and are turning to a different gospel—which is not even a gospel. Evidently some people are troubling you and trying to distort the gospel of Christ." The Galatians were being swayed by false teachers, and Paul expresses his concern over their quick departure from the true gospel.
4.
2 Peter 2:1-2 : "Now there were also false prophets among the people, just as there will be false teachers among you. They will secretly introduce destructive heresies, even denying the Master who bought them—bringing swift destruction on themselves. Many will follow in their depravity, and because of them the way of truth will be defamed." This passage highlights the danger of being swayed by false teachers who lead many astray, resulting in the defamation of the truth.
Theological Implications:The concept of being swayed is significant in understanding the spiritual warfare that believers face. The Bible consistently warns against the influence of false teachings, worldly desires, and the deceitfulness of sin. Believers are called to be vigilant, discerning, and rooted in the truth of God's Word to avoid being led astray.
Practical Application:To prevent being swayed, Christians are encouraged to:
·
Study Scripture Diligently: Regular engagement with the Bible helps believers discern truth from falsehood.
·
Pray for Wisdom and Discernment: Seeking God's guidance through prayer strengthens one's ability to recognize and resist deceptive influences.
·
Fellowship with Other Believers: Being part of a community of faith provides support and accountability, helping individuals remain steadfast in their beliefs.
·
Guard Against Worldly Influences: Christians are urged to be cautious of cultural and societal pressures that contradict biblical teachings.
In summary, the concept of being swayed serves as a cautionary reminder of the need for spiritual vigilance and the importance of grounding one's faith in the unchanging truth of Scripture.
Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary
1. (
imp. & p. p.) of Sway.
2. (a.) Bent down, and hollow in the back; sway-backed; -- said of a horse.
Library
JohnSwayed the People by his Teachings. Concerning the Woman, a...
... Book VIII. Chapter V."Johnswayed the People by his Teachings. Concerning
the Woman, a Follower of Macedonius, on account of whom...
"He Hardened his Heart"
... Unselfishness was not an attribute of ancient kings. Meneptah was a man that
wished to beswayed.... "Others haveswayed me, thou modest man."....
God on a Wooing Errand.
... But one must get hold of John before John's message gets hold of him. John was
swayed by a passion.... The Jesus-passionswayed John completely....
Way-Marks in John's Narrative.
... They are easily impressionable,swayed by subtle crowd-contagion, stirred
up and played upon cunningly by the opposition leaders....
The Condemnation of "The Three Chapters. "
... The victories of Belisarius made of Rome a suburb of Constantinople, and empire
and theologyswayed and wereswayed by the policy of Justinian and the palace...
Practical Observations.
... Rome, with her paganism, was represented in the executioners; Judaism with its
formalities, in the rulers and the people whom theyswayed; and Christianity...
The Supreme Author of all Things must be Infinitely Good, Just...
... which, by the way, is the true ground and foundation of all morality,) unless their
will be corrupted by particular interest or affection, orswayed by some...
The Symbols of the Republic.
... Man isswayed by the animal propensities of his nature; he isswayed by the moral
and religious elements of his nature; but the intellect, by itself, is not a...
The Flood-Tide of Power.
... Men have thought of Mr. Moody facing great crowds, who wereswayed and melted at
his words, and of people in great multitudes accepting Christ....
Imprisonment and Death of John
... They wereswayed this way and that by the winds of popular opinion.... He was no
trembling reed,swayed by the winds of human praise or prejudice....
Thesaurus
Swayed (6 Occurrences)... 1. (imp. & pp) of Sway. 2. (a.) Bent down, and hollow in the back; sway-backed; --
said of a horse. Multi-Version Concordance
Swayed (6 Occurrences).
...Sway (7 Occurrences)
... 3. (vi) To cause to incline or swing to one side, or backward and forward; to bias;
to turn; to bend; warp; as, reedsswayed by wind; judgmentswayed by passion...
Swayeth (1 Occurrence)
Judge (297 Occurrences)
... He must not let himself beswayed by popular opinion, or unduly favor the poor
(Exodus 23:2, 3). The court was open to the public (Exodus 18:13 Ruth 4:1, 2...
Second (2060 Occurrences)
... "He that comforteth the lowly, even God, comforted" him (2 Corinthians 7:6). The
Corinthians had beenswayed by a godly sorrow and repentance (2 Corinthians 7:8...
Poetry
... It may be due to these reflex rhythms that the more men areswayed by feeling and
the less by reflection and reasoning, the greater is the tendency to do...
Tarsus (5 Occurrences)
... He found the constitution a democracy,swayed and preyed upon by a corrupt clique
headed by a certain Boethus, "bad poet and bad citizen," who owed his...
Saul (371 Occurrences)
... failings. His chief weakness seems to have been want of decision of character.
He was easilyswayed by events and by people. The...
Hebrew (37 Occurrences)
... It may be due to these reflex rhythms that the more men areswayed by feeling and
the less by reflection and reasoning, the greater is the tendency to do...
Corinthians (3 Occurrences)
... "He that comforteth the lowly, even God, comforted" him (2 Corinthians 7:6). The
Corinthians had beenswayed by a godly sorrow and repentance (2 Corinthians 7:8...
Resources
Was John the Baptist really Elijah reincarnated? | GotQuestions.orgWhy is it important to have personal convictions? | GotQuestions.orgWho was Moloch/Molech? | GotQuestions.orgSwayed: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance •
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